Our Story - Hawaii Candy

Tradition Meets Taste

Soichi Ohta, founder of the company, learned the craft of making Senbei (Japanese Tea Cookies) during the early 1930’s as an apprentice in Japan. With his newfound trade, Soichi and his wife Kinuyo opened a small neighborhood factory and retail store in 1933.

From Family to Flavor

How It All Began

In 1941, Soichi purchased Nakano Candy Factory and renamed his little company Ohta Candy Factory. He relocated to Nuuanu Avenue and developed the Red Coconut Balls.

He also made all different flavors of candies including Cinnamon Balls, Lemon Drops, Chestnut Drops, and Fish (shaped) Candy.

Heritage of Flavor

In 1954, he purchased what is now known as Hawaii Candy. With the purchase of the company came the machines used to make candy. He had two locations, one on Liliha Street which sold Senbei and candy, the other on Nuuanu sold candy only.

A Legacy of Care

Preserving the recipes and maintaining the quality of its products has always been a priority at Hawaii Candy. Although the name Senbei has since been changed to Wafer Cookies, the finest and freshest ingredients are still used.

Generations of Goodness

Wafer Cookies, Fortune Cookies, Puff Rice Cake, Wun Tun Strips, Coconut Balls, and Hawaiian Island Crisp Cookies headline the best sellers list at Hawaii Candy. The Ginger Wafer Cookies continues to be coated with freshly ground ginger for that unmistakable flavor.

From Our Family
to Yours

Try these delicious island favorites for yourself or select one of our gift boxes to celebrate any occasion with family and friends.

Rooted in Tradition,
Made for Today

Hawaii Candy’s manufacturing and distribution facility is currently situated near the Honolulu International Airport.

More To Discover

Gift Boxes

Cookies

Coconut Balls

Fortune Cookies

Wun Tun Strips

Crunch-Tested, Customer-Approved!

My late father used to include these in his care packages to me when I was a kid and he was living in Hawai’i. I’ve been looking from them for 34+ years and finally found them today and IMMEDIATELY ordered! These little red coconut balls are SO delicious! The taste, texture and appearance are a core childhood memory. BEST coconut candy, EVER!

Lisa Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Absolutely delicious! I received these as a gift and had to order more for myself. I’ll forever think of Mrs. Elsie for sharing her island with me. Helen Kahului

Can’t remember when I started eating Hawaii Candy Ginger Wafers but it started years ago. It is one of my favorite snacks of all time! I was purchasing the small packages from the stores and then, I “saw the light,” – I located the Hawaii Candy online website and continued to order several one-pound bags of the Ginger Cookies. I have tried other brands which were okay but did not come close to Hawaii Candy Brand!! Also, the staff is very friendly and makes their customers feel important and welcome.

Faye Honolulu

This is one of the best flavor salt I have found and have been using and ordering for years. I put it in a salt grinder and use it one everything I cook. The Hawaii-Candy company have always have taken care of my needs. Thanks for all yours products and professional services.

Alan Pearl City

The most awesome Hawaiian treat! Just the taste is so Hawaiian, just close your eyes and put one of these balls in your mouth and it will bring back all the tastes, sounds, smells and sights of Hawaii!

Joyce Honolulu

Normally, I like to try different mixes for chicken and fish. My former colleagues (healthy eaters) got together after two years. I elected to cook fish with the “Da Salty (not really) Lady’s Gourmet Baking and Frying Mix. The party really enjoyed the fish!! Recommended the mix.